The dawn light painted the sky with hues of pink and gold as Elara and her companions stood in the glade, their victory over the darkness still fresh in their minds. The air was filled with a serene calm, the oppressive weight of the night having lifted, leaving behind a sense of peace and renewal.
Elara, though exhausted, felt a deep sense of accomplishment. The Source was protected, and for now, the darkness had been pushed back. But as she surveyed the glade, she knew that their fight was far from over. The ritual had succeeded, but the darkness would not be easily vanquished.
"Is everyone alright?" Elara asked, her voice hoarse but filled with concern. Morgana, Lyra, and Kirin, having recovered their composure, nodded in response.
"We're fine," Morgana said, though her face was pale with fatigue. "The ritual was intense, but we held it together."